Are you looking for an online PID controller course to learn how it works and how to implement it?
Many industrial automation processes can be controlled by a programmable logic controller (PLC) utilizing discrete ON/OFF control via basic ladder logic. ON/OFF control is used in nearly all industrial applications due to its simplicity, speed, and reliability.
However, many industrial processes require more sophisticated control than ON/OFF, as disastrous results can occur.
While ON/OFF control is simple and effective for basic automation tasks, many industrial processes demand a more complex method. This complex method is called PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) control.
Processes such as temperature, flow, pressure, level, motion, and speed cannot tolerate the sharp swings caused by on/off control. For example, using ON/OFF control to maintain temperature in a chemical reactor can lead to unstable conditions, resulting in product defects or even posing safety hazards.
PID control continuously adjusts the output to a final actuator in response to the difference between the setpoint and the actual process value, utilizing a combination of proportional (P) action, integral (I) action, and derivative (D) action. The result is smooth, stable, and accurate control.
Control engineers and technicians must understand how PID works, as incorrect settings or tuning can lead to system instability, sluggish response or disastrous oscillation. Knowing how to interpret process behaviour and adjust PID parameters accordingly is crucial for achieving optimal performance and ensuring system safety.
As industrial systems become more automated and interconnected, professionals must master PID control to function effectively in increasingly complex processes.
What You'll Learn in Our PID Controller Courses
Our PID Controller Courses are designed to get you up and running quickly. We will take you from basic ON/OFF control to complex PID and controller tuning methods. We conclude the course with lessons on configuring a PID Controller embedded in a Siemens PLC using TIA Portal software and a PID Controller embedded in an Allen Bradley ControlLogix 5000 PLC using Studio 5000 software.
All our PID Controller courses are taught by instructors who have real-world experience. They share what they have learned from actually working with PID controllers, so you can avoid common mistakes and gain skills that matter.
Here are some highlights from the course lessons:
- An overview of the PID Controller and its transformation from a single station device to what it has evolved into today.
- Why PID Controllers are used in industrial processes and illustrate how Controller settings affect different processes under control.
- The effects of Proportional-only action on a flow control loop, explain Offset and how and when it occurs.
- How adding Integral action will help to eliminate the Offset by producing an output proportional to the duration and amount of the error signal.
- The effects of Derivative action, which is based on the rate of change of the error.
- How to model the process using a First Order Process with Dead Time equation.
- How to use the Ziegler-Nichols method to calculate the values of P, I and D tuning parameters
- How to tune a PID controller using two different methods.
- How to create a PID control block in an S7-1500 series PLC.
- How to configure a PID controller in TIA Portal.
- How to tune a PID controller to give the best control action.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What industries use PID controllers, and why are they so important?
There are very few industries that do not use PID controllers. Almost all industries rely on precise control of variables such as temperature, flow, pressure, speed and level.
- Will I need specific hardware or software to complete the course?
No, you don't need specific hardware or software for this course. To follow along with the hands-on portions of the course, you would benefit from having access to Siemens TIA Portal and Rockwell Studio 5000 software, as well as accompanying S7-1500 or ControlLogix PLCs. That said, you can still gain valuable knowledge by watching the demonstrations, even without access to the hardware or software.
- How are PID controllers used in real industrial applications?
PID controllers are essential for maintaining stable, accurate control in systems where the process variable can’t tolerate sudden changes produced by ON/OFF controllers.
- Can I apply what I learn in this course directly to my job?
No doubt about it. From using proven tuning methods like Ziegler-Nichols and configuring PID loops in actual PLC platforms, the skills you gain are directly transferable to daily tasks in automation.
Ready to get started? Enroll today and start building the skills that employers are looking for.
